Atletico win 2-1

Barcelona: Joao Miranda and new signing Mario Mandzukic led Atletico Madrid to a 2-1 home win in La Liga on Saturday as visitors Eibar were unable to cope with the aerial threat of the champions.

Atletico, who sold several top players in the close season including striker Diego Costa and defender Filipe Luis to Chelsea, took the lead when the unmarked Miranda nodded the ball in at the near post after 12 minutes.

Midway through the first half Croatian Mandzukic, bought from Bayern Munich in the close season, made it 2-0 when he headed a Gabi Fernandez free kick into the corner of the net from 12 metres.

Eibar, in their debut season in the top flight, refused to fold and responded in the 33rd minute with a fine curling shot by Abraham Minero from 20 metres that nestled in the top corner.

They pressed Atletico in the second half but the home side hung on for the victory.

Atletico, who have four points from two games this season, were presented with the league trophy ahead of the game.

“We started very well but were then unable to control the game,” coach Diego Simeone told a news conference.“The anxiety to pick up the points affected us.”